By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Dan Samanya,
KAMPALA
Over the past four months, parliament has been the focus of the media and the public attention over allegations of corruption, lavish expenditures and lack of accountability. Several opposition politicians, religious leaders and CSOs have been at the centre of accusations and counter-acccusations of corruption.
To end the tensions, John Kikonyogo the FD spokesperson proposed for the dissolving the following parliament which he said is failing its oversight role in ensuring that public funds is being used properly and preventing and investigations corruption.
President Museveni has made serious corruption allegations against parliament and state house staff. He claims to have evidence that Ministry of Finance officials have colluded with parliamentarians to embezzle public funds. Additionally, some State House staff have been accused of soliciting bribes from locals and foreigners in exchange for promises of meetings with the President.
The President’s claims have sparked a wider investigation into corruption within the government and state institutions and have led to the arrest, charging, and remanding of at least four NRM MPs to Luzira Prison on corruption-related charges. They are Paul Akamba, Yusuf Mutembuli, Cissy Namujju Dionozia and Micheal Mawanda Maranga among other government officials.
According to Kikonyogo, the inability of parliament to tackle corruption is a clear indication of its ineffectiveness. He argues that the institution has betrayed the trust of ordinary taxpayers, prioritizing personal interests over the public good. Kikonyogo called for the dissolution of parliament, citing its inability to address corruption as a key reason.
“If the people who are supposed to be checking the government on excesses are being accused of misappropriating funds. Do we still need the parliament?” Kikonyogo asked. “Uganda has ever been been there without parliament and many things were built during that time,” he said recalling Field Marshall Idi Amini Dada’s military regime (1971-1979) when there was no parliament.
He envisions a new parliament that genuinely represents the people and works towards a more just and equitable society, and serving the interests of all citizens.
On the other hand, Kikonyogo has challenged the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Inspectorate of Government (IG) to take action on President Museveni’s allegations. He demands that they use the evidence provided to summon, investigate, and charge the corrupt officials implicated in the corruption scandal, including MPs and Ministry of Finance officials
He also urges the authorities to swiftly investigate and prosecute those found guilty, confiscate their properties and other assets to recover the stolen funds one way of ensuring that justice is served and accountability is enforced.
